Im not a fan of "classic watches" I get really focussed on hunting when I dive and I don't pay attention to my watch well enough to remember the start time and other things. I like a really simple digital read out that I can glance at and get all the info. I also really like the log and alarm features on dive computers they're really helpful.
I also don't wear a watch everyday. When I do put on a watch its usually for dressing up. For time and everything else I use my phone.
Just my .02
For the RA specs I simply used the volume 11L and 9L and calculated the buoyancy in saltwater. The displacement of the 11L float was approximately 24.5lbs of saltwater so subtract the weight of the float with the lead part and account for the fact that it was fresh water and the 20lbs you measured is pretty close. Then I just found the displacement of the 9L float which was a little over 20lbs of saltwater.
Im having trouble calculating the volumes of aimrite floats because they arent a simple shape. Ive tried modeling them as simple cylinders but that produces buoyancies far in excess of what they are rated for. That being said I dont think there is a reason they would be overrated and I think they have the volume to produce that kind of buoyancy. As for your float I would say the reading you took was off.
The 100lbs scale would be much more accurate. Many scales are not accurate at their extremes especially as they get older. I would not be surprised if your float pulls a good bit over 50 lbs and the scale simply doesnt read it properly. If you have some gym weights you could get a rough estimate of the buoyancy and check your scale.
When I asked about the bladder dimensions that was an error on my part. I was trying to refer to the portion of the float that actually inflates. The dimensions you gave me seemed like overall dimensions and there appears to be at least an inch in all directions that does not inflate.
Well the numbers you got for the RA 11 liter float are pretty close and you would be interested to know that the difference in buoyancy between the 11L and the 9L is only about 4 lbs in saltwater. As for your float based on the dimensions you gave should produce a float that its right between the two aimrite floats. I have seen both floats in person and there isnt anything significantly heavier on your float that would change that assumption.
I could make a better calculation of the theoretical buoyancies of the aimrite float if I had the dimensions of the bladder but from the rough guess from the numbers you gave I dont see a reason why they couldnt make the claimed numbers.
Whats the max weight on your scale? I ask because the 20lbs seemed about 2/3 down and that would put 40+lbs at the edge of the scales range and Im wondering if your possibly getting the wrong measurement on the speardiver float.
How big is your float? (volume?) Do you know the dimensions of the aimrite float?
What was the measured buoyancy of your float? 44 lbs?
That equation is a little off. Buoyancy is equal to the weight of the liquid displaced minus the weight of the object. If it was just equal to the weight of the water displaced then everything would float. To do your calculation Dan you would set the measured buoyancy equal to the volume of the inflated float times the density of water and then subtract the weight of the float.
In equation form:
Buoyancy = V*D - M
V = volume of float
D = Density of water
M = mass of the float
Using that equation it would be pretty easy to calculate the lift capable from a float. Most have their volumes labeled. Then multiply by 1.02 for saltwater and subtract the weight of the inflated float.
Your spring test would provide a fairly accurate measurement of the buoyancy of the float as long as you had everything stationary once underwater.
Additional air pressure i.e. using a pump would slightly decrease (probably not enough to even notice) the buoyancy at the surface but would prevent the float from loosing its volume at depth which is more important than the minimal loss at the surface.
Should name it The Green Goblin
Damn I love Florida!!!! That being said I probably have a slightly different opinion because of it. I Personally dont have a problem with anyone posting pictures of their catches as long as they are legal. I dont think its necessary to go out and shoot your limit every day but if I went out with some friends and the fish were just everywhere I would probably take a few but I would certainly take more care in which ones I shot.
I dont think its right how they are trying to ruin this guys career over a perfectly legal hunt. Granted it probably wasnt the smartest thing to let be published but I dont think he should be ashamed for enjoying a legal pursuit. I think its unfortunate how people feel they need to hide some of their catches and other achievements because of unfair persecution.
I have seen some of the trouble you CA guys run into with the seal activists and I think its ridiculous how the activist place the rights of animals above those of humans. I know Im preaching to the choir but I dont understand why you avoid posting pics to "appease" them? About the only thing theyll be happy with is no capture and nobody here would stand for that.
Photos of Illegal catches and wonton slaughter should be removed and persocuted but legal and sporting pictures should be encouraged. I personally have never wasted an ounce of good fish. I may not eat it all but my neighbors love me.
As for a big cat in my back yard I would give it 2 strikes. First time just scare it off next time its over. Ive seen pictures of what they can do and if I had a child I would do everything in my power to protect them. I think Don has it right and I remember the quote " I would rather be judged by twelve than carried by six" fits perfectly.
Anyway just my .02
BTW I love how we can all discuss this and argue similar points without it getting out of hand or nasty. This is something I havent seen on any other forum regardless of its subject. Its hard to find a place on the internet where people act mature.
I think I remember Dan saying something about the tendons being way too stiff and the heels being too soft. I might be wrong but It might have sparked one of the recent discussions on fin design.
Speardiver brand footpockets will be available before the summer.
:@ What pockets are they going to be most like? Pathos?
Nice Fish!!! Just curious is there a reason you sensor your avatar but not the other pics you post of yourself? lol
If your wearing a thick wetsuit and your adding weight to negate the buoyancy of the suit then your getting some benefit from a heavier fin. The biggest difference between an ankle weight and and heavier pockets is the muscles used to move them. Ankle weights are placed above the ankle which puts the force on the quad. The quad is a big muscle that is already moving a big fin through the water and wont notice the addition of 1lb very much. As that weight moves down the leg and out towards the toes and beyond it becomes much more difficult because smaller muscles are being used. Think about leg extensions at the gym vs trying to pick up a weight by lifting your toes. This is all in a scenario where a thick and buoyant wetsuit is being used. In a warm water location where nothing more than board shorts or maybe some lycra pants are being used I would never think of wearing ankle weights and any excess weight equates to more work on the diver.
TL;DR With a thick wetsuit the effects of a heavier fin are slightly negated by the slight offset of the suits buoyancy but the distribution of the weight isnt optimal and still adds increased strain to the swim motion.
In each pamphlet it says to check the website for the most recent rules. It would be almost impossible to print pamphlets every time a rule changed and maintain a regular publication as they would be printing different issues week to week in some cases. Its definitely a pain but knowing the rules is the responsibility of the angler (spearo) and I dont say that just to quote fwc. There are a lot of times when the officers themselves dont know the most current rules so knowing them yourself can save your a**.
I think what your looking for is 250% elongation which means the band is stretched to 350% of its original length. This is what a lot of major manufacturers use and its pretty stout. Some guys will take it beyond that but youll start to see a shorter life span of the rubber. Hope Don Paul chimes in, he knows his stuff when it comes to band rubber.
My suggestion would be to find some kind of powerboating forum and look through old threads. Like hank said even the best companies have engines that suck. What was most surprising to me was that even within a certain line different sized motors can have problems.
Another thing is take every review with a grain of salt. For every great engine there is always someone who got a crappy one. I have a 225 yamaha on my 23 contender and have never had a single problem with it. (knock on wood) It starts and its quiet.
Ive heard some good things about the new ETECHs, particularly that they are powerful and efficient. the only experience I have with them is on a friends flats boat. I personally have had such good luck with my yamaha that I probably wouldnt change.
Just my .02
Rob Allen has a band recommendation chart.
If that falls through I call dibs on shipping 
Heres a few from my portfolio:
A pod of dolphins I ran into on my boat
Sunrise on my way to Flamingo in everglades National Park
The soft footpocket, especially the soft heel prevent efficient and complete transfer of energy. Think of the foot as a lever and the heel of the foot as a fulcrum. When you kick your leg transfers energy to your foot and then to the fin. If the heel is too soft then the most force you could apply to the fin would be limited by the force to bend the heel. As Dan's pictures show the heel can barely support the weight of the fin. If you look closely at the sporasub fins the bottom of the footpocket is a rigid plastic thats is very good at transferring the energy.
Last summer I saw a set of footpockets that had a piece of plastic embedded in the sole of the footpocket to add rigidity. I cant remember the brand maybe Dan can find them. Ill ask a friend if he remembers the name. I didnt really look at them very closely but it seems like an interesting idea.
The picture popped up on my facebook wall after a friend liked it. It was originally posted on South Florida Freediver facebook page. There isnt much of a story but from the comments and title it seems like someone who was new to the sport made a mistake. I dont want to say more because I honestly dont know the scenario only the result. Maybe some of the guys in the club will post more.
